Behavior of Steel-Concrete-Steel sandwich structures with lightweight cement composite and novel shear connectors

K. M.A. Sohel*, J. Y. Richard Liew, J. B. Yan, M. H. Zhang, K. S. Chia

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

96 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In Steel-Concrete-Steel (SCS) sandwich structure, mechanical shear connectors are commonly used to transfer longitudinal shear forces across the steel-concrete interface. In this paper, novel shear connectors such as J-hook and cable shear connectors are proposed and their performance to achieve composite strength of SCS sandwich structures is investigated. The use of these connectors together with ultra-lightweight cement composite core reduces the overall weight of SCS sandwich system making it suitable for the construction of marine and offshore structures. Static tests were carried out on SCS sandwich beams with J-hook, cable shear connectors and headed studs. Their ultimate strengths were reported and their respective failure modes were discussed. An analytical method to predict the ultimate strength of the Steel-Concrete-Steel sandwich beams with various types of shear connectors was developed and its accuracy was ascertained by comparing with the test results. Deign recommendations are made on minimum connector spacing to prevent shear cracking of concrete core and local buckling of face plates.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3500-3509
Number of pages10
JournalComposite Structures
Volume94
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cement composite
  • J-hook
  • Sandwich structure
  • Shear connector
  • Steel-Concrete-Steel
  • Ultra lightweight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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